WEbster Nation,

Pupil free days, minimum day schedule, a school holiday, and an appearance by the famous Santa Ana winds. What a week! Thanks for coming in to meet with our educators to discuss your children's learning and growth. From our perspective, it's a great chance to build connections with parents and bring the team together in support of our students. You are an essential part of that team and we appreciate you taking the time this week.

It's a little more quiet around campus as the Halloween excitement has died down and we no longer hear the constant "quack quack" of our tiny duck friends. However, the approaching holiday season is a great opportunity to take stock of how lucky we all are to have such an invested and loving group of educators, staff, and families looking out for our kiddos. I appreciate you all very much.

Run Malibu was AMAZING and the reviews of this past weekend's Party Book events were 5-star! Don't forget to take advantage of some of the wonderful extra-curricular activities that we are so fortunate to have in our community. You won't regret it, I promise.

We are also looking forward to an impactful week of kindness and acceptance, starting with our big Monday morning kick-off. Please check your email for more information. I will send a little reminder on Sunday as well.

Wishing all our Veterans a warm and wonderful holiday, filled with well-deserved respect and thanks for your service.

With gratitude,

- Tedd

twakeman@smmusd.org
(310) 456-6494

11/12 Surfy Santa Photos - Holiday photos on the beach Party Book

11/13 United Against Hate Week begins!! (forgive us as this was just approved by the Board)

11/15 WEAR ORANGE (to signify unity and community)

11/16 School Site Council Meeting – 3:00p

11/19 Sip, Swap, and Shop Party Book

11/21 Minimum Day

11/22 Thanksgiving Holiday Begins (no school)

11/27 School Resumes

DECEMBER 2023

12/4 Scholastic Book Fair Begins (ends 12/8)

12/5 Malibu Middle School here at Webster to present to 5th grade parents (8:30a)

12/12 Music Informance (details to come)

12/15 FALL DEEP LEARNING EXPO – 9:00a (Don't miss this!!)

12/15 Holiday Cookie Party Book

12/20 Webster Holiday Show and Class Parties (this is a change on the calendar)

12/22 Last Day!!

12/25 Winter Holidays Begin

TK had a wonderful week working with natural items and a filled sensory table! We loved exploring, constructing, and engineering, while using a wide variety of wooden tools to spark counting and measuring, scooping and digging! We LOVED plunging our hands into various textures! And expanding our vocabulary through inquiry of "What did we feel?" "What can we create?" Another week of living imaginatively and collaborating with our friends! Sending lots of love from TK!

The Kindergarten Bu Crew had a busy short week! They continued working with letter sounds and number values. This week they matched letters with sounds while playing Monster Mansion in Computer Lab during Planet Bravo! They also brainstormed animals that are found in the ocean and did a deep dive, researching just a few!

I was going to send this to you later. Here it is…Room 8 started learning about goods and services. In these pictures the kids are deciding on a good they’d purchase when visiting their ancestral country and a service they’d use while there. Some ideas were enjoying croissants in France and tamales in Mexico, learning Italian, and using a tour guide visiting a museum. Next step is choosing a good or service that they would like to provide. We’ll see what they all choose.

It's raining tacos! Gearing up for the big Deep Learning Expo next month, Room 17 has launched its Taco Truck Project!

Every Tuesday and Thursday we enjoy going to our Music classes! Students are making great progress as they continue to explore their instruments and grow musically.

Hello Room 20 community! This week we learned and worked on a lot of different ways to divide in Math. In addition to that, to promote kindness we wrote kind letters to a secret classmate, which is special. We have also made it halfway through season 2 of our class podcast and things are getting really interesting. In Social Studies we are learning about topography and different things help shape different land forms. Thanks for reading and here is our question of the week: If you could create a class job what would it be?

“Handyman, so I could help fix things”- Ori F.

“Hall Monitor so I could help patrol the hallways” - Piper B.

Room 20’s Star Author This Month: Andy Kessler

We came, we stretched, we ran! Whether you ran the 5K, the Half Marathon, or the Malibu Mile, last weekend was a ton of fun. I am so proud of all the WEbster support for Run Malibu. We had both parents and students participate in the event. For most of us, it wasn't about setting any records, it was just about having some fun and pushing ourselves to go a bit past our natural desire to stop or slow down. It was about trying something new and different. It was about healthy habits and self-motivation. So great to see so many of our Whales cross finish lines throughout the weekend.

A huge shout out to one of our 5th graders, Preston Giambattista. I met up with Preston early Saturday morning for a quick hug and a wishing of good luck in the race. He ran the 5K (3.1 miles) and finished 107th out of 1501 runners with a scorching time of 23:58. It's wasn't easy, but Preston most certainly explored the boundaries of his own perceived limits. Exhausted and spent, his heart was full at the end of the race and his pride was through the roof. Well done, buddy.

A huge thank you and congratulations also go out to Cassidy Benadum and Kasey Earnest for putting on such a fun and inspiring event. Thanks so much for all you do to create such cool opportunities for us to enjoy and challenge ourselves.

We were thrilled to attend the Optimist Club of Malibu's 2023 Youth Appreciation Awards this week. A student was chosen from each of our 5th grade classes based on the following criteria: Students who have contributed to the arts, academics and community service, students who offer positive contributions to society, and students who encourage greater exchange between young people and adults in the community.

Amongst a sea of amazing students, Legend Rocca and Andy Kessler were chosen to represent Webster at this prestigious ceremony. Congratulations to you both and thank you for continuing to be role models here on campus and genuinely awesome humans in our community. I also want to thank the Kessler and Rocca family. It takes a village...and it starts at home. We appreciate you.

Students were honored from 5th -12th grade in a truly beautiful morning ceremony over at the High School. Our gratitude goes out the Optimist Club and to our board member, Stacy Rouse, for helping to MC the event.

Right here in our very own garden, we have a most beautiful, but problematic friend. Tobacco hornworms are very large caterpillars with a horn-like tail. Their favorite plant is tomato. Hornworms chew leaves and can completely defoliate plants. They can also chew holes in the fruit.

Tobacco hornworm vs tomato hornworm

The Tobacco hornworm is closely related to another large caterpillar, the tomato hornworm. Both are often kept as pets by children because of their sizes, although they don't live very long before beginning the transformation into a moth. Tobacco hornworm caterpillars have white stripes with black margins and a red horn. This is how we knew the difference from Webster's little fellow. Tomato hornworm caterpillars have V-shaped markings and a blue or black horn. There are also differences in the spots on the abdomen. The tobacco hornworm has six orange spots, while the tomato hornworm has only five.

It's so fun to find cool critters in our beautiful garden!

First, congratulations to all who participated in the Run Malibu races this past weekend! Webster really brought the energy - rocking the 1/2k dash on the sand, the BGCM Mile and the 5k! We hope you are proud of yourselves for stepping up to the start line and taking on the challenge. The Webster Whales are unstoppable!!

"Just a quick note to pitch for keeping the Run Groms going. Presto and Violette started with them over the summer at Boys and Girls Club camp and they both did great. Hope we can keep that program as it ads so much value I think. Preston’s crushed it at the 5k, he finished 107th out of 1501 and his time was 23:58. We were blown away by him and so proud. Violette did the kids mile too and finished the whole thing!" Honestly, Run Groms was the catalyst here for my kids. So great."

- Frank Giambattista

We are thrilled to share that after six GREAT weeks of Run Groms at Webster… The program will be continuing! All Webster students and parents are welcome to join us Friday mornings from 7:45am-8:15am for some “Fun Run Friday” miles before school. This program is supported by Run Malibu and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and is FREE and open to EVERYONE!

Email maliburungroms@gmail.com to learn more. We’ll be starting back up on 11/17 - See you there! 🏃‍♀️

- Cassidy Benadum

Three of our own Webster thespians: Susannah Safai, J.D. Board, and Lyle Sokoloff, will be performing in Pepperdine University's production of The Music Man, November 10-18. Joining them are recent Webster alums, Starr Safai and Rem Sokoloff. Music director for this amazing production is Webster parent, Ida Nicolosi. The Music Man is a classic musical for the whole family and Pepperdine is pulling out all the stops to make it a dazzling performance. Tickets are available here.

The Christmas Tree Lot benefiting the MHS Athletic Booster Club will open on Saturday, November 25th at the corner of Stuart Ranch Road & Webb Way (the Chili Cook Off site.)

Hours:

Monday - Thursday from 3 to 7pm

Friday from 3 to 8pm

Saturday/Sunday from 1 to 8pm

Get your tree (delivery available), wreaths, Shark Wear, & ornaments here. To celebrate the tree lot opening, ABC will also be hosting a Community Night on Friday, December 1st, from 5:30-8:30 pm, with many activities planned, food trucks, entertainment, holiday shopping & more! Please come out and support the school. ABC raises 2/3 of the money to support MHS Athletics.

I had an interesting conversation with 5th grader, Andy Kessler, this morning. I was reminded of a really great game that you might want to play at home. It's great for students and adults as well. When you begin, you are dropped (using Google Maps) into a random location on the planet. You have the ability to move up and down the streets and roads and observe what's around you. The idea is that you make as many observations as possible and then attempt to drop a pin as close to the actual location as possible. Give it a try...great for critical and analytical thinking.

What an AMAZING weekend of parties! Our Webster parents know how to put on fantastic events.

Get your tickets NOW for Surfy Santa Photos - everyone needs a photo for their Christmas card! There are 14 spots left in ten minute blocks. Buy your ticket and receive the sign up time sheet by email. ***TIMING HAS CHANGED Photos will start at 11am-3pm

"Hunter had a blast with his friends at Zuma Beach playing in the surf, body boarding, and even learning to stand up and catch waves! What a great experience!" - Richard VanOrnum

"We had such a great time at the Slice Slice Baby Party. It was such a great way to connect with other parents and give back to the school at the same time." - Samantha Carpenter

"When I signed up for Trampoline with Tedd, I didn't realize I was the Tedd. Regardless, I had a blast jumping, jousting, dodging, and playing with a bunch of our Whales. These Party Book events are truly amazing." - Principal Tedd

There's only 3 more party books this year!

November 12- Surfy Santa Photos - Holiday photos on the beach Party Book

December 15- Holiday Cookie Party Book

2024 (TBD) - Sip, Swap, and Shop Party Book

**Please note- the date for the Sip and Swap event is being moved to 2024.

Pictures from the Dance Party, Sound Bath, and Wreath-Making events!!

- Lauren (Party Book coordinator and all-around awesome human)

Just wanted to make our community aware of a truly incredible opportunity happening at Pepperdine this month. This event is on Tuesday, November 14, @6:00p and is free to the public. For more information and tickets: https://vine.pepperdine.edu/SGA/rsvp_boot?id=2135322

The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade. By banding together, this will decrease the pressure felt by kids and parents alike over the kids having a smartphone. Please note that this pledge is for smartphones only! If you would like your child to have a basic phone that just calls and texts, you still can sign the pledge! The basic phone avoids many of the distractions and dangers of the smartphone.

Top 5 Reasons To Delay Getting a Smartphone

1 Smartphones are changing childhood.

2 They are distracting and addicting.

3 Smartphones expose your child to...

4 They increase risk for anxiety and depression.

5 Cyberbullying is an important concern.

To learn more, please visit www.waituntil8th.org or check out Wait Until 8th’s Instagram account.

The AERIES Parent Portal

Tedd's Welcome Letter 2023

Tedd's Welcome Back Video 2023

AERIES Parent Portal Tutorial

Student Services Registration Documents 23/24

Family Engagement & School Parent Compact

Webster Bell Schedule

PTA Membership

PTA Volunteer Opportunities

Class Change Request Form

Hour of Code

Webster Information - Week of Nov 13, 2023

The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu aims to provide a fun, safe, and creative environment for all Malibu youth to thrive, find support through positive mentorship, develop important life skills, and receive social and emotional support. We are currently offering:

• BGCM Membership Enrollment is LIVE Available for incoming grades TK-5th. Enroll at BGCMALIBU.ORG Programs include: STEM based projects, arts & crafts, cooking/gardening, social emotional wellness, and more! (Enrollment must be completed and verified via our online electronic system before your child attends BGCM Clubhouses, please allow at least 2 business days for this process). Enroll Here | Inscribirse
  
  

• Third Space is OPENING at Malibu Village! Saturday, Nov 18. Third Space is a storefront, gallery and an innovation space for youth to be mentored and inspired. A project of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, made possible by many generous community contributors. A percentage of all store purchases benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu:

• Safe spaces after-school

• Mental health services for youth, families and aging population

• Drug and alcohol prevention programming

• Innovative and inspiring opportunities for youth

• Regenerative systems and educational initiatives
  
  Here, in our vibrant community, we value care, connection, and creativity. We offer youth, families, and visitors of all ages the chance to explore products from local, sustainable and social entrepreneurs. To learn more, visit thirdspacemalibu.org Follow us on IG/FB: @thirdspacemalibu
  
  

• BGCM Wellness Center We wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the 5th year anniversary of the Woolsey Fire. Woolsey created much hardship, loss and sadness for many. However, through our community resilience, we bonded together and strengthened our support for one another. Five years ago the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu established the Malibu Emergency Relief Fund, where we were honored with passing through close to 2 million dollars in emergency aid to those affected by the fire. Additionally, and to further support the community we mobilized the BGCM Wellness Center to aid and provide crisis counseling to anyone in need. On this 5th year anniversary of the Woolsey Fire, we acknowledge there are many people still struggling with the long term effects of this disaster. Please know that the BGCM Wellness Center continues to keep its doors open to support the community. If you or a member of your family could benefit from counseling, please reach out. We provide these services, which include individual, couples, or family therapy, at no cost and do so via telehealth or in person. Mental health can be challenging at times and we are here to help you experience life being the best version of yourself despite the challenges you have faced. Contact us at wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org

• Wellness Center & Social Support Offerings The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center operates remotely and also in-person to provide no-cost social support & mental health counseling to all in the community. Visit https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center/ to learn more or to request services for you/your child! There is currently NO WAITLIST for services. PSA: Parents! If you've missed any parent workshops, they are available on our website at https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center-resources/

*To contact the Club please call 310-457-1400 (Admin) or 310-241-3675 (Programs) Email info@bgcmalibu.org For updates on Club news & events, subscribe to BGCM E-Newsletter Here

Developing strong character and valuable mindsets is essential. This remains a major focus at Webster. As we build community here on campus, at home, and across Malibu, we will continue to model the kind of behavior that promotes unity, kindness, and thoughtful problem solving. In addition, we will value these traits in others and recognize outstanding efforts.

Every Friday we sport our Webster Wear to show school spirit and celebrate the coming weekend. Classes with the highest percentage of Webster Wear win the whale for the week. Be sure to show your spirit and pick up some Webster Wear in the main office when you stop in to say hello.